Handyman
Average Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fan installation costs $250-$700 for the fan and labor when a fan needs new wiring. The ceiling fan replacement cost is $100-$500 total or $50-$200 for the labor cost to replace the ceiling fan alone. New ceiling fan prices are $50-$300, depending on the size and style.
Ceiling fan installation involves many components, carefully executed steps, and important safety measures. Unless you're a professional electrician — and if you're reading this post, you're probably not — you may not have the necessary experience to efficiently install a ceiling fan. You may wire the fan incorrectly.
Installing your new ceiling fan isn't something you can do yourself. You'll need a licensed electrician to ensure it's installed correctly, safely, and effectively.
Many of the new ceiling fans have an installation hanging hook built into the ceiling mounting. This makes it a one-person job, assuming that you are strong enough to get it up on the hook first. Do a little stretching first and, even if you are in good shape, plan on having some sore muscles the next day.
Hiring a handyperson for a ceiling fan installation can be a smart option for a simple installation as it can save you some money. However, it's essential to consider the complexity of the job, their licensing and insurance, and knowledge of local codes and regulations.
A standard ceiling fan tends to last up to 10 years, but this will all depend on the quality of it and how you look after it. Factors will include how often you use it and how often you don't use it.
Exhaust and ceiling fans are estimated to typically last for a maximum of 10 years while air conditioners last for 8 to 15 years. These estimations are of course dependent on the quality of the fan you have and the frequency of its usage.
Many flush mounted ceiling fans require removal of the light kit to be able to access the screws that attach the fan to the ceiling. Identify the screws that secure the light kit to the fan housing. Remove the screws with a screwdriver. You may need a helper to support the light kit when the screws have been removed.
Whether you are replacing an existing light fixture or installing the fan and connecting electrical wires to it, you must be sure that you have turned off the circuit breaker or removed the fuse governing the circuit where the fan will be connected.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to install a new fan in a standard room height if one needs to be removed first. Higher ceilings require more time.
Installing a ceiling fan without existing wiring might seem like a challenging task, but with careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines, it's a feasible DIY project.
Most ceiling fans can be replaced without the need for an electrician. However, if your fan is attached to a electrical box that is not easily accessible, then you may need to hire an electrician to do the job. Also, if you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is always best to hire a professional.
If the repair costs are significant and the fan is old, it's worthwhile investing in a new, energy-efficient fan. If your ceiling fan requires frequent repairs, it may be a sign that it's reaching the end of its lifespan. In such cases, investing in a new fan might be more economical in the long run.
The ceiling fan installation is not very difficult and usually takes around 15-20 minutes to do.
If you decide to go with a pro, the total cost to remove a ceiling fan is around $100 to $500, depending on the type and number of ceiling fans you have.
Some recycling centers will take the entire fan including the blades, metal blade irons, and remote control batteries. Others have stringent recycling guidelines and take limited parts. We recommend taking your old ceiling fan to your local recycling center to see what they can recycle from your ceiling fan.
Some people fear that a ceiling fan will overheat and catch fire if left ceiling fan running overnight; however, these fears are unreasonable. Ceiling fans are designed and manufactured to run for hours on end, and if you invest your money in a reputable brand, you shouldn't have any fears.
Like any home appliance, ceiling fans wear out as they age. Motors can quit working, wires can become loose or broken, and blades can become worn.
Recognizing Motor Malfunctions
Unusual noises, such as humming or buzzing from your ceiling fan, can be more than just a nuisance; they can signal an electrical problem with the motor. An improperly functioning motor may also become unusually hot to the touch, indicating potential overheating.
Since ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature of the air inside your home, and a room has to be occupied to feel its effects, there's no reason to leave your ceiling fan on 24/7. In fact, it simply wastes electricity and adds unnecessary wear and tear to your fan motor.
Ceiling fan installation can take anywhere from 1–3 hours depending on the complexity of the assembly, the height of the ceiling and the condition of the wiring and box in the ceiling. If additional bracing is required this could become much longer with drywall repair becoming part of the project.